Chitin

Definition

Chitin is a long-chain polymer derived from glucose that forms part of the hard outer exoskeleton in insects, crustaceans, fungi, and other organisms.

Related terms

Exoskeleton: An external skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body in contrast to the internal skeleton (endoskeleton) of humans.

Polymer: A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits known as monomers.

Glucosamine: An amino sugar that is an essential component of chitin.